Senator LUDLAM (3:45 PM)
—I seek leave to make a short statement to clear the record.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT
—Leave is granted for two minutes.

Senator LUDLAM
—Senator Brown used the word ‘consultation’. Senator Parry, being told a couple of minutes before the vote is put that you have the numbers and that it is going to go ahead with or without us is not consultation, in my book. Regarding comments about not wanting the debate to be had, I will cover very fully in my comments, if and when this vote is put and the debate occurs, exactly why I believe the debate is occurring at the wrong time and for the wrong reasons. I will save those comments for then. Telling us that you have the numbers and that it is going to go ahead is not consultation, in my view.